THE Z200 SERIES 1969-1977 (Restyling 1974-1977)
At the start of the 1970’s with the rise on the martket of 2 hatchback sedans and square shaped ligts, the Z200 started to looked outdated. There were no possibilities to create a good looking hatchback out of the chassis developed for the car, so Žnoprešk restyled the front with a more modern square design, update the engines and develop the a bigger 1.7 liter out of the same block used for the 1969 edition. Unfortunately, the 1.7 liter was only available since the 1975 models.
The bigger version of the engine was available in two different power step, the 110hp availabe on the sedan and the 130hp availabe on the coupe. For the rally version a 1.6 liter with 155 horse power was developed.
The trim available were the same (Prima, Linea, Sala, Sport and Turismo) but updated. Here featured only Prima, Sala and Sport. Along with the special police trim and the rally vesion.
Z213 Prima (MY1974)
The renewed entry level Prima had updated interior, using most of the pre-restyle Linea interior. No more crossply tires but still there was no radio available as standard. The engien was updated to run with unlueaded fuel, but there was not catalytic converter yet. Thaks to the update the car bounced back into the best sellers italian car of the time.
Z215 Sala (MY1974)
The premium trim benefit of new interior design elements with dark wood and chrome details and a complete absence of painted metal in the cabin, granting a better sound comfort. The 3 speed automatic gearbox was the same, but the unleaded engine variant was less performant than the leaded one. The new rims cover were really appreciated.
Z217 Sport (MY1975)
The updated sporty trim was even more appreciated by the market compared with the older 90hp version. This time the hydraulic assisted power steering was standard and along with th 20hp extra from the 1.7 liter engine it was a must for the “only family car” able to do a bit of everything. Another standard feature where the light alloy rims and the sporty black plastic fnishing instead of the chrome one.
Z217 SportCoupe (MY1975)
With 130 tuned horsepower engine, 2+2 seats arrangment, 2 doors and the “aerodynoamic” aesthetic pack, this bad boy was a boner caster for a lot of yougnsters at the time. Lighter, more powerful and without hydraulic power steering, it was a car more oriented to enthustiast and “second car” owner than as a “only family car”.
SPECIAL TRIMS
Z217 Police (MY1975)
Born from the Sport trim, this model has manual lockable differentials, offroad undertray for procection and a different suspension setup, more oriented to the ease of use than the sportiness feel.
Z216 Rally (MY1975)
Official customer version of the rally version of the car of the 1975 and 1976 Rally season.